Although FC Barcelona is currently focused on the signing of Nico Williams for the attack, the truth is that this is not the only move Deco is making in terms of new signings, as the Azulgrana team is looking to the future with several moves for players who are barely of legal age, seeking to develop and flourish under Hansi Flick, following the example of Lamine Yamal who, about to come of age, is already a candidate for the Golden Ball.
Hansi Flick gets the most out of young players
If one thing has been clear this season, it is that Barça has regained its identity and the Barça DNA that has characterized it and brought it so much success in the past with a young team made up mostly of players from La Masía. Since the summer of 2020, 24 players have made their debut at Barça coming directly from the club’s youth academy. With Hansi Flick on the bench, this firm commitment to the youth academy has been reaffirmed, with Lamine Yamal being the leading exponent, but also Pau Cubarsí, Casadó, Balde, Fermín, Olmo, Iñaki Peña, Fort, Gavi, Eric García, Gerard Martín, Domínguez, Cuenca and the injured Marc Bernal…
Agreement reached with Roony Bardghji
One of the signings Barcelona is working on for the future is Roony Bardghji. A complementary signing to Nico Williams, but one that would also strengthen the attack and provide competition for Lamine Yamal, who plays everything. He is “a forward who uses his change of pace and direction very well. He doesn’t need to use fancy tricks to get away in a one-on-one situation. He’s very direct,” says Bruno Alemany.
He is a player who began to stand out at a very young age in the youth ranks of Malmö FF before signing for FC Copenhagen. In the last year, he has not had much continuity due to an injury in May 2024 to his anterior cruciate ligament, which has kept him out of action for almost a year. At Barça, it is not yet clear whether he would be fully integrated into the first team or have one foot in the reserve team.
Another gem on the market
The commitment to youth does not end with this signing, as Barcelona is negotiating for another young player, this time from across the pond, Brazilian Zé Lucas. According to MARCA, the Catalan club has set its sights on the “Sport midfielder, born in 2008, captain of the Brazilian under-17 team, South American champion in his category and currently a starter in the Brazilian Série A, despite being only 17 years old.”
According to the aforementioned media outlet, talks between the two parties have been progressing in recent weeks and an agreement could be reached shortly. With its commitment to the young Brazilian, Barcelona is following the model applied by Real Madrid with players such as Endrick, Rodrygo, and Vinicius, which has brought so much success to its eternal rival. The Brazilian talent pool is always a safe bet.